I'd much rather see a 3rd line with Tatar-Jarnkrok-Nyquist than Cleary-Abdelkader-Bertuzzi.

This would be terrible. We're gonna have a 3rd line of 21 year old Europeans, one of which isnt even sued to the North American style of play and the tallest is a whopping 5'11. Those kids would get eaten alive, wouldnt even get near a goalie and would have their confidence ruined

This would be terrible. We're gonna have a 3rd line of 21 year old Europeans, one of which isnt even sued to the North American style of play and the tallest is a whopping 5'11. Those kids would get eaten alive, wouldnt even get near a goalie and would have their confidence ruined

haha, is there something you don't like about giving third line minutes and responsibilities to three rookies with little or no NHL experience and expecting us to be better than we were this year? Maybe if they were all Jonathan Toews...are any of them Jonathan Toews?

This would be terrible. We're gonna have a 3rd line of 21 year old Europeans, one of which isnt even sued to the North American style of play and the tallest is a whopping 5'11. Those kids would get eaten alive, wouldnt even get near a goalie and would have their confidence ruined

Obviously it's a stupid idea to throw 3 fairly small rookies together and it won't happen like that, but you're selling those guys a bit short.

I mean, Nyquist IS an NHL player. No doubt. Eaten alive? In my mind the question is who will he play with next season, Zetterberg or Datsyuk.

How Järnkrok will adjust to the North-American game is anyone's guess, but many european players have said going to smaller rinks is actually easier, and adjusting back to bigger rinks again is a challenge. Järnkrok looked great in an exhibition game against the US today, against mostly NHL players on the US team. Maybe doesn't say much but the kid is skilled and I won't be surprised if come training camp most of LGW is demanding he gets a roster spot.

Tatar I'm most unsure about, but we have seen him in the NHL and he didn't embarress himself.

And, on paper, those 3 guys looks like a really fun combination of speed, skill and scoring. Maybe they won't be a line next year, but hey... maybe they're our 1st line 5 years from now??

No, I think you're correct WL. As I said in another thread, if we bomb out in Free Agency and miss out on Parise, Suter, Doan etc then next season goes into rebuild mode and we might end up seeing a lot of our youngsters. But be careful what you wish for, we might also see a lot more losing.

I don't think Mr. Phoenix will be going anywhere unless the Coyotes don't have enough money to pay him a reasonable salary.

Obviously it's a stupid idea to throw 3 fairly small rookies together and it won't happen like that, but you're selling those guys a bit short.

I mean, Nyquist IS an NHL player. No doubt. Eaten alive? In my mind the question is who will he play with next season, Zetterberg or Datsyuk.

How Järnkrok will adjust to the North-American game is anyone's guess, but many european players have said going to smaller rinks is actually easier, and adjusting back to bigger rinks again is a challenge. Järnkrok looked great in an exhibition game against the US today, against mostly NHL players on the US team. Maybe doesn't say much but the kid is skilled and I won't be surprised if come training camp most of LGW is demanding he gets a roster spot.

Tatar I'm most unsure about, but we have seen him in the NHL and he didn't embarress himself.

And, on paper, those 3 guys looks like a really fun combination of speed, skill and scoring. Maybe they won't be a line next year, but hey... maybe they're our 1st line 5 years from now??

That's completely true, however the final two could end up being Ville Leino part duex as well. If you'll recall he was pretty highly touted and largely effective at the AHL level as well. Guys like him are the exact reason why I prefer Holland's "seasoning" approach to prospect development.

That's completely true, however the final two could end up being Ville Leino part duex as well. If you'll recall he was pretty highly touted and largely effective at the AHL level as well. Guys like him are the exact reason why I prefer Holland's "seasoning" approach to prospect development.

I don't think there's much comparison to Leino, he was older and undrafted. Completely different situation than both Tatar and Järnkrok. And Leino's problems seem to be more about attitude than actual skill, as evidenced by his exceptional playoff run with Philly. Hard to say why he doesn't always play like that.

But of course there is always reason to keep your expectations in check when it comes to a prospect that is untested at the NHL level. Atleast we get to see both Tatar and Järnkrok at the World Championships.

I really hope Kenny Holland doesn't decide to go the way the Oilers decided to go... winning is much more fun.

Winning is fun yes. It's also fun watching a line that does something creative with the puck, not just gain the blue line and go logo hunting. Bertuzzi's not as bad, but Cleary and Abdelkader do the same thing virtually every time they cross the blue line. Nyquist is creative, fast, and can dangle. Jarnkrok is supposed to be pretty fast also and one hell of a 2-way fwd that plays a Z like style and Tatar is a skilled gritty forward that's twice as fast as Hudler. So yes, I'd rather see a young potential scoring line get a shot and some real ice time over the usual 3rd line of plugs we've been frustrated with for a few years that's a few years older.

And at Drake Marcus, I really hope you weren't referring to me as a troll cause I give in depth detail to any post I make that is questioned and am far from a troll. There's my argument for a young trio that could probably put up 50 pts each on the 3rd line and make your beloved Hudler obsolete. Later.

This would be terrible. We're gonna have a 3rd line of 21 year old Europeans, one of which isnt even sued to the North American style of play and the tallest is a whopping 5'11. Those kids would get eaten alive, wouldnt even get near a goalie and would have their confidence ruined

I see Z also has that problem at 5"11. and Briere and St. Louis are getting killed too at 5"8... And those guys play in adult leagues, not Jr. They haven't been getting eaten alive at all. They're all actually doing quite well.

Obviously it's a stupid idea to throw 3 fairly small rookies together and it won't happen like that, but you're selling those guys a bit short.

I mean, Nyquist IS an NHL player. No doubt. Eaten alive? In my mind the question is who will he play with next season, Zetterberg or Datsyuk.

How Järnkrok will adjust to the North-American game is anyone's guess, but many european players have said going to smaller rinks is actually easier, and adjusting back to bigger rinks again is a challenge. Järnkrok looked great in an exhibition game against the US today, against mostly NHL players on the US team. Maybe doesn't say much but the kid is skilled and I won't be surprised if come training camp most of LGW is demanding he gets a roster spot.

Tatar I'm most unsure about, but we have seen him in the NHL and he didn't embarress himself.

And, on paper, those 3 guys looks like a really fun combination of speed, skill and scoring. Maybe they won't be a line next year, but hey... maybe they're our 1st line 5 years from now??

I'm most unsure about Tatar too. I just ran with the proposal that originally came from someone else. Personally I'd rather see Nyquist-Jarnkrok-Andersson. Andersson's a big mother with grit and speed that can do damage on the forecheck and would open up a lot of space for Gus and Ironhook to do their thing. Just my 2 cents, but I for one think that the Wings have some highly talented players in their system and i'd also like to see Mrazek sign with the Griffins soon and get Marek Tvrdon there as well, cause after the WJC, he looked to be along with Jarnkrok one of the prospects whose game was mature enough to advance quickly towards the NHL.

I don't think there's much comparison to Leino, he was older and undrafted. Completely different situation than both Tatar and Järnkrok. And Leino's problems seem to be more about attitude than actual skill, as evidenced by his exceptional playoff run with Philly. Hard to say why he doesn't always play like that.

But of course there is always reason to keep your expectations in check when it comes to a prospect that is untested at the NHL level. Atleast we get to see both Tatar and Järnkrok at the World Championships.

It's only comparable with Leino in that he was tearing up the AHL and was the best player that Babcock said he ever sent back to the minors. You're right though, it is his attitude that holds him back, but you never know what attitude these young guys are going to have, that's why I say keep them in the minors until you're sure they've got the system internalized and are willing to buy in. I think Nyquist does based on his play this year, but who knows with guys like Jarnkrok that we haven't even seen in our system yet.

I'm not even sure how much consideration they gave to Nyquist or how much consideration Nyquist gave to playing for the WC.

Nyquist went to the US to play College hockey as soon as he was eligible instead of staying in Sweden. Many WC teams tend to remember those perceived slights to the country's national hockey program. Obviously for NHL stars all is forgiven, but they guys who are on the fringe this kind of thing makes a difference. A guy like Jarnkrok who stayed in Sweden well after the draft are seen in a more positive light comparatively speaking. It's a national hockey program loyalty thing.

This would be terrible. We're gonna have a 3rd line of 21 year old Europeans, one of which isnt even sued to the North American style of play and the tallest is a whopping 5'11. Those kids would get eaten alive, wouldnt even get near a goalie and would have their confidence ruined

Which of the three guys isn't suited to the NA style? Tatar and Nyquist have thrived in North America for years and Jarnkrok is a well-rounded player who hasn't had a shot to play NA hockey yet.

And at Drake Marcus, I really hope you weren't referring to me as a troll cause I give in depth detail to any post I make that is questioned and am far from a troll. There's my argument for a young trio that could probably put up 50 pts each on the 3rd line and make your beloved Hudler obsolete. Later.

A) I wrote "obvious troll is obvious" under a direct quote by Heaten. Are you Heaten as well?B) Hudler's not beloved by me. I just don't have a hate-boner for him like half the of the guys around here..C) I've been posting about prospects early and often around here. I follow players in detail from the moment the Wings draft them (up to and including watching streams of relevant JR, college and AHL games when my workload at school is light enough). Don't even bother picking a prospect fight with me unless it's about someone who isn't property of the Wings.

A) I wrote "obvious troll is obvious" under a direct quote by Heaten. Are you Heaten as well?B) Hudler's not beloved by me. I just don't have a hate-boner for him like half the of the guys around here..C) I've been posting about prospects early and often around here. I follow players in detail from the moment the Wings draft them (up to and including watching streams of relevant JR, college and AHL games when my workload at school is light enough). Don't even bother picking a prospect fight with me unless it's about someone who isn't property of the Wings.

A) i thought you were talking about the post Heaten was referring to, which was mineB) Hudler is very replaceable and his slowness and lack of ability to be effective on the forecheck bothers me every time he gets on the ice.C) i am in no way getting into a prospect fight with you. you're actually one of the guys on here who has a lot of detailed good information and researched as well, so i respect your posting. i also do a lot of research on players and watch probably over 500 games a year between NHL reg season, playoffs, WJC, memorial cup, AHL, CHL and i even got to watch some DEL while in Germany for a month, so i know quite a bit about a lot of prospects for every team, but keep my homerism for the Wings prospects but judge them the hardest, hence Nestrasil sucks.

Nyquist went to the US to play College hockey as soon as he was eligible instead of staying in Sweden. Many WC teams tend to remember those perceived slights to the country's national hockey program. Obviously for NHL stars all is forgiven, but they guys who are on the fringe this kind of thing makes a difference. A guy like Jarnkrok who stayed in Sweden well after the draft are seen in a more positive light comparatively speaking. It's a national hockey program loyalty thing.

Yeah I can see that but did Nyquist even throw his hat into the ring for a shot at the national team? I mean, sure, it's every kid's dream growing up in Sweden but I just wonder if he really had other plans.

He will get a good look if he comes to training camp, but he is probably one season away. He's good enough now, but let him be THE man in the SEL for one season.

The Best Of BCHankthaTank- Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius- I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".

Jarnkrok was 14th in the Elitserien in scoring with 16 goals, 23 assists, 39 points in 50 games. I also am pretty sure that the Euro leagues don't award 2nd assists on goals, so his NHL equivalent point total could be a point per game or more. He also finished 5th in the league in playoff scoring with 4 goals, 12 assists, 16 points in 16 games and was a whopping +13.

The potential is definitely there. When is the next Sweden game scheduled for in the WC?

To me, there is next to no chance Jarnkrok will be with the Wings next season. I dont see the need to rush him. That being said, I think the WC will go a long way in determining the timing and possible progression for him. The WC can really help young, emergin players develop. Also, if Jarnkrok gets regular playing time he may see some ice time with Zetterberg, Franzen etc.

If Jarnkrok has a solid WC and a nice showing at camp then you never know. I just dont think there will be the roster space next fall.

I see Z also has that problem at 5"11. and Briere and St. Louis are getting killed too at 5"8... And those guys play in adult leagues, not Jr. They haven't been getting eaten alive at all. They're all actually doing quite well.

Do you not see a difference in Zetterberg coming over and playing third line minutes with a team full of vets and him being pretty much the only rookie, compared to three rookies, none of which have even have like 25 games played in the NHL, and being all thrown onto the same line all as rookies?

Theyre all tiny, one has never played North American hockey and none of them are a Brenden Morrow type player at least hes small but he plays big. All of those guys you can tell their size and they would get killed out there. I'm in no way against having a rookie or two on the team, put Nyquist up with Datsyuk and maybe even have Jarnkrok center the third line with Bertuzzi and Cleary or someone else but the notion that a bunch of unproven prospects can step in as rookies and all produce 50 points is down right stupid and a terrible idea.

A line of all 5'11 players alone is pretty ridiculous, let alone 3 guys under the age of 21. What would have happened to that line against Nashville in the playoffs?

Do you not see a difference in Zetterberg coming over and playing third line minutes with a team full of vets and him being pretty much the only rookie, compared to three rookies, none of which have even have like 25 games played in the NHL, and being all thrown onto the same line all as rookies?

Theyre all tiny, one has never played North American hockey and none of them are a Brenden Morrow type player at least hes small but he plays big. All of those guys you can tell their size and they would get killed out there. I'm in no way against having a rookie or two on the team, put Nyquist up with Datsyuk and maybe even have Jarnkrok center the third line with Bertuzzi and Cleary or someone else but the notion that a bunch of unproven prospects can step in as rookies and all produce 50 points is down right stupid and a terrible idea.

A line of all 5'11 players alone is pretty ridiculous, let alone 3 guys under the age of 21. What would have happened to that line against Nashville in the playoffs?

Honestly, I'd rather spread the rookies out in the line up like you mentioned, but to the last question about what would happen to that line against Nashville...I almost puked watching the Wings play in the playoffs this year. They were slow as hell and there was no creativity. The kid line would have energy to spare and Gus for sure is very quick and very creative. If he wasn't playing with Emmerton and Homer, he could have done a lot more for the team aside other higher skilled players. I'm not saying it be all end all with our prospects, but it's admittedly getting very boring watching the Wings do the same uneffective s*** game after game and rely on 10 shootout wins to keep pace to make the playoffs. The Wings need to add youth and if it means having even Smith, Nyquist and Jarnkrok which are 3 very good players and letting a couple old guys retire or sign elsewhere to make the team better in the longrun, then so be it. The most exciting team in the NHL currently is the Flyers. 7 rookies in the line up. they're young and fast.

Size is overrated. Heart, skill, and hockey IQ are more important. Stevie Y was tiny, Selanne, and a whole slew of other players enter the league every season smaller than Iron Hook and they fair just well. I know it's a plus to be big when you enter the league, but it's not the advantage in today's NHL as it was back in the late 80s and 90s. There are many a players who are big that enter the league that are just that, and nothing more, but pylons. Iron Hook, the Sauce, and Gus will all be fine if they played 10-13 minutes a night next season and beyond.

Jarnkrok looks to be at least the third line center for the Swedish team this year with a good chance of being the second line center.

The Best Of BCHankthaTank- Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius- I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".